Abayomi Susan
A major tragedy was narrowly avoided in Lagos on Thursday after a gas-laden tanker caught fire along Abaranje Road in the Ikotun area of the state.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the day near Ola Farm Bus Stop, prompting a swift emergency response from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other emergency and security agencies.
According to LASEMA, the tanker was reportedly travelling at high speed when it hit a road bump, causing the driver to lose control. The impact resulted in a tyre blowout, which subsequently ignited the gas-filled tanker.
Emergency responders moved quickly to contain the blaze, successfully preventing the fire from spreading to nearby residential buildings, commercial premises, and other vehicles in the vicinity.
No fatalities or injuries were recorded in the incident.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Police Force also responded to the scene, securing the area, managing traffic flow, and keeping residents and motorists at a safe distance while firefighting operations continued.
Authorities disclosed that efforts were underway to evacuate the burnt tanker and clear the roadway to restore normal traffic movement.
Reacting to the incident, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, urged motorists to exercise caution and strictly adhere to speed limits, particularly around speed bumps and within residential communities, warning that reckless driving can easily trigger avoidable emergencies.
He reaffirmed LASEMA’s commitment to providing prompt emergency response services and protecting lives and property across Lagos State. He also encouraged residents to promptly report emergencies through the state’s toll-free emergency numbers, 112 and 767, to facilitate timely intervention.
